Although imitation is often attempted, North Berwick is a unique course. It’s natural and pure links golf with some of the most memorable holes in the country.
North Berwick Golf Club Course Review
Top 100 Ranking 2021/22 – TBC
Previous Rankings
2019/20 – 29
2017/18 – 26
2015/16 – 28
2013/14 – 31
2011/12 – 34
2009/10 – 38
Summer Green Fees
Round – £175
Visitors: Visitors welcome –
Monday and Friday – 11.00 to 12.10 and 13.30 to 15.30
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – 10.30 to 12.10 and 13.30 to 15.30
(Those playing 36 holes on any weekday may tee off from 10:00, subject to availability)
Sunday – 13.30 to 15.40
Medal Tee: Par 71 – 6,551 Yards
Changes since previous ranking
None advised
North Berwick Golf Club Course Review
The West Links at North Berwick, on the golf-rich East Lothian coast, is living proof that the design philosophies of a bygone era can still be very much part of the modern game.
Indeed, many would argue that the challenges of some of the quirkier elements of this wonderful old links are exactly what the game is missing in certain quarters.
Related: Top 100 Courses UK and Ireland
The par-4 14th at North Berwick (Getty Images)
The club was founded in 1832, but golf has been played here on the Firth of Forth from the 17th century.
Beginning and ending in the town centre, the West Links feels as though it’s a part of North Berwick. It’s a similar symbiosis to that at St Andrews and, as with the “Old Grey Toon,” North Berwick has a great sense of history.
The course delivers characterful and incredibly natural links golf. Bunkers, burns, humps, hollows and even dry stone dykes must be negotiated as one makes their way around this very special course.
The 4th at North Berwick
Although every hole at North Berwick is worthy of comment, the stretch of holes from the 13th to the 15th really grabs the attention. The 13th “Pit” features a green sunken behind a wall, the 14th “Perfection” requires two precise shots and, with its sloping green, the par-3 15th “Redan” is one of the most copied short holes in world golf.
Those with a slice will need to pay particular attention to the beach on the 1st and rows of parked cars on the tantalisingly reachable finale.
North Berwick – West Links
The West Links at North Berwick is unique and it’s a course that all true lovers of seaside golf should make a point of visiting at least once.
Assessor Feedback
This course lends itself to fun, you find yourself creating shots and facing some very difficult putts and chips. North Berwick doesn’t try and beat you up, for example, the bunkers are all shallow enough to advance out of. It relies on the atmosphere and your own mental weakness to create difficulty. It is an extremely clever course.
Risk reward also plays a big factor, with several holes bordering the beach itself.
GM Verdict
Although imitation is often attempted, North Berwick is a unique course. It’s natural and pure links golf with some of the most memorable holes in the country.
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